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Step 1
Determine if the butterfly is a member of the gossamer-winged family of butterflies. Gossamer-winged butterflies, known by the scientific name Lycaenidae, have shiny, delicate wings. Each wing is divided into a forewing and a hindwing. The separating between the fore- and hindwing is perpendicular to the butterfly's body. In contrast, brushfoot butterfly wings are separated at a 45 degree angle.
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Step 2
Confirm that the butterfly belongs in the Theclinae subfamily. Most of the butterflies in this family have subdued brownish wing colors with iridescent accents on parts of the wings.
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Step 3
Distinguish your butterfly from other members of the Theclinae family. Look for a tail or tails protruding from the hindwings. The tails look like antennas in order to confuse potential predators.
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Step 4
Identify the species of your hairstreak butterfly specimen. There are more than 50 species that are designated as hairstreak butterflies. The most common hairstreak in North America is the gray hairstreak. The top of its wings are steel to bluish gray with a orange or red spot near the tail. The underside of the wings are dark to pale gray. The wings also have black at white accents, especially at the edges. To identify other species of hairstreak butterflies, use the Butterflies and Moths of North America website.
